Etihad Airways crowned World’s Leading Airline

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), enjoyed stunning success at this year’s World Travel Awards last night, taking top honours for the fifth year in a row.

At a ceremony in Doha, Qatar,
Etihad Airways took home the prestigious titles of World’s Leading Airline,
World’s Leading First Class, and World’s Leading Airline Cabin Crew.

Established in 1993, the World
Travel Awards recognise the very best travel organisations in the world through
a global vote by travel professionals from 171 countries. The Wall Street Journal calls them the
‘Oscars of the Travel Industry’.

James Hogan, Etihad Airways
President and Chief Executive Officer, said:
“It is a huge honour yet again to receive three of the travel industry’s
highest accolades, and especially so as we mark ten years of successful
operations.

“That focus has taken our product
and service philosophy in 2013 to new heights, refined our five-star
hospitality proposition, made travel more enjoyable, and connected more parts
of the world through our home and hub, Abu Dhabi.”

Etihad Airways’ success at the
2013 World Travel Awards caps what has been a remarkable twelve months for the
UAE flag carrier.

In 2013 the airline refined its
on-board First Class Chefs concept in Diamond First Class, continued the
roll-out of Wi-Fi internet, mobile telephone connectivity and live television
across the fleet, opened luxurious First and Business Class lounges in Paris
and Washington, and started a Flying Nanny service to assist families
travelling with young children.

Graham E. Cooke, World Travel
Awards Founder and President, said: “The World Travel Awards reward the best
travel and tourism organisations in the world.
The growth and development of Etihad Airways in just ten years has been
nothing short of extraordinary. The
airline now takes home the coveted title of World’s Leading Airline for the
fifth consecutive year – a huge achievement.
At the same time Etihad Airways has become a leader in the areas of
First Class and Airline Cabin Crew. I
congratulate Etihad Airways on their repeated success.”

Etihad Airways’ success in Doha
follows recognition at the World Travel Awards Middle East, held in May in
Dubai, when the airline took home awards for Middle East’s Leading Airline,
Middle East’s Leading Airline First Class, Middle East’s Leading Cabin Crew.